American Building

With Zoom school largely a thing of the past, college students are back to living on or near campus again. Between dormitories, apartments, and multifamily homes, there are an estimated 8.5 million student housing beds across the US with an projected increase to 9.2 million this decade. In this episode, I’m unpacking the factors contributing to the boom in student housing and the pros and cons this housing type poses to the surrounding communities. I’m also revisiting a conversation with Nick Falker of Cambridge Realty Partners to discuss The Elm, the firm’s multifamily build in New Haven, Connecticut. Designed for Yale students and young professionals, The Elm is a six-story building with studios to four-bedroom options. It features bright, modern colors, a robust fitness center, conference rooms equipped with TVs and projectors, and a roof deck overlooking downtown and the Yale campus. New Haven appeals to many people for its walkability, foodie scene, and relief from overpopulation. Nick dives into who he thought would be the ideal renter for his build versus who currently occupies it, as well as the decisions he made that allow his build to compete with others in the city. Nick and I also discuss how to raise capital when just starting out, estimating renovation costs, and the effect the pandemic had on major US cities. About the Guest: Nick is the managing partner at Cambridge Realty Partners based in New Haven, Connecticut. The firm has been investing and developing in real estate opportunistically since 1978. Over that time, they have focused on office assets in the Northeast US, Texas, Mexico, and most recently, in multifamily in Connecticut. Nick previously worked at Cigna Realty Investors and Bristol Group. Topics Covered: Resources Mentioned: The Future of U.S. Student Housing Demand About Your Host: Atif Qadir is the Founder of Commonplace, a company dedicated to tackling one of the biggest barriers to more inclusive, affordable, and sustainable development: improving access to capital. Commonplace helps impact-driven developers and capital providers with shared values discover and connect with each other. Connect with Nick Falker: LinkedInLinkedInCambridge Realty Partners Follow Us: How Eight Developers & Designers Are Responding to the Housing Crisis

Due to the 1950 Federal Housing Authority and Veterans Administration loan programs, suburbs on Long Island and New Jersey were growing at 10 times the rate of downtown areas in New York City. Levittown in Nassau County is perhaps the most quintessential example of the outcome of those loan programs. Totaling 17,400 homes built on 4,000 acres of potato fields, Levittown was marketed as a safe, peaceful escape from the city. But, like most things that seem too good to be true, there was something nefarious behind-the-scenes: the loan programs had race-based underwriting guidelines and deed covenants that shut out BIPOC communities. Almost 75 years later, the boom of these cul-de-sac neighborhoods are at the root of many of the pressing urban planning issues we face today, including excessive traffic, housing affordability, racial discrimination, and the persistence of poverty. In this conversation with Kenneth Namkung, Founder of Monument Office and Senior Associate at Perkins Eastman, we explore the history of single family developments in the New York City area. We also dive into the details of his Suburbanism installation, designed for 32nd Street leading into Herald Square in Manhattan. The installation focuses on taking up negative space in an urban area and evoking the history and memory of the American suburb for those who previously lived there. Kenneth also discusses his inspiration for the design and reflects on the project as a Korean immigrant who grew up in a suburban area. We also touch on the impact of the American interstate system, redlining, and changes to tax codes in the 1980s, all of which all contributed to the creation of the American suburb we know today. About the Guest: Kenneth is the founder and designer at Monument Office, a research and design firm based in Brooklyn, New York. His work focuses on the interplay between architecture, public space, and memory. Currently, he is a Senior Associate at Perkins Eastman. Previously, he was a Senior Project Designer for NBBJ design and worked at Studio Link-Arc, Ennead Architects, and Santiago Calatrava. He began his career at Rafael Viñoly Architects. He is a graduate of the School of Architecture at MIT and the University of Virginia. Topics Covered: Resources Mentioned: Why Buying a House Today Is So Much Harder Than in 1950 Patrick SissonRevolutionary Road by Richard Yates About Your Host Atif Qadir is the Founder of Commonplace, a company dedicated to tackling one of the biggest barriers to more inclusive, affordable, and sustainable development: improving access to capital. Commonplace helps impact-driven developers and capital providers with shared values discover and connect with each other. Connect with Kenneth Namkung LinkedIn

Public housing is the oldest and one of the largest subsidy programs in the country. However, there hasn’t been any significant expansion of public housing spending since 1974 when President Nixon placed a moratorium on that budget. In this episode, I shine a light on the complicated history of government housing and the deep influence it has on segregation and race-related issues in the United States. I also revisit a conversation with Rachel Loeb, former president and CEO of the New York City Economic Development Corporation, an agency that develops housing under the auspices of economic development. We discuss the vision for Bronx Point, a mixed-use development offering housing, community facilities, retail, and outdoor space along the Harlem River waterfront in the South Bronx. Ensuring a diversity of income levels and housing stock, Bronx Point includes 1,000 units of studios, one, two, and three-bedroom options for families, and units set aside for formerly homeless individuals. The surrounding area provides access to The Children’s Museum, community colleges, and a food hall that not only offers fresh options to residents, but also gives small food vendors an opportunity to conduct business. In addition to the details of Bronx Point, Rachel and I dive into the importance of diversity and representation, innovation through an equity lens, and the gold standard for waterfront resilience and risk reduction. About the Guest: Rachel Loeb is the former President & CEO of the New York City Economic Development Authority. Prior to her work there, she was the Director of Development at the World-Wide Group and a Senior Director at AvalonBay Communities. She is a graduate of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Northwestern University. Topics Covered: Resources Mentioned: A 'Forgotten History' Of How The U.S. Government Segregated America About Your Host Atif Qadir is the Founder of Commonplace, a company dedicated to tackling one of the biggest barriers to more inclusive, affordable, and sustainable development: improving access to capital. Commonplace helps impact-driven developers and capital providers with shared values discover and connect with each other. Connect with Rachel Loeb LinkedInLinkedInNYCEDC Follow Us: How Eight Developers & Designers Are Responding to the Housing CrisisAmerican Building website

In this episode, we’re exploring the history of townhouses in New York City and unpacking how this housing type relates to gentrification, a hot-button issue at the intersection of race, class, and housing. We’re revisiting a conversation that I had with Lea Cloud, co-founder and partner of CDR Studio Architects, where she walks us through a thoughtful, innovative Bushwick townhouse renovation. Townhouses are single-family, multi-level homes that share walls with other homes on one or both sides and feature an entrance directly to the street. They’re most common in New York City neighborhoods like Harlem, Long Island City, and Park Slope, which also happen to be communities at the epicenter of gentrification. Gentrification is the process of changing the character of a neighborhood through the influx of more affluent residents. On the surface, the new neighbors boost the local economy with restaurants, businesses, and housing. But, these upgrades are typically at the cost of longtime residents. This shift sparks feelings of resentment, frustration, and anger about who gets to own what and who gets to call a place home. In our conversation, Lea Cloud and I touch on this issue through the lens of the townhouse renovation her firm designed for a client located in the southeast part of Bushwick. Lea describes how the neighborhood demographics have changed since it was first acquired by the Dutch in the 1600s and has now become a major hub for Central and South American immigrants. Lea and I also discuss the ethos behind passive homes, what it’s like to work with multiple firms on a single project, and how to manipulate designs to meet the client’s vision while still complying with standard code. Resources Mentioned: Gentrification, Displacement, and Neighborhood Revitalization by J. John Palen & Bruce LondonThe NYC TikTok Influencer to Gentrification Pipeline by Lily Alvarado About the Guest: Lea is a co-founder and partner at CDR studio architects, a full service design firm in New York. Prior to starting the firm, she was at PKSB architects, where she had an opportunity to work on the renovation of the famous Seagram building that was designed by Mies van der Rohe, Philip Johnson, Eli Cohn and Robert Jacobs. Lea serves along with me as a city planning commissioner in Hoboken, New Jersey. She's a graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design. Topics Covered: About Your Host Atif Qadir is the Founder of Commonplace, a company dedicated to tackling one of the biggest barriers to more inclusive, affordable, and sustainable development: improving access to capital. Commonplace helps impact-driven developers and capital providers with shared values discover and connect with each other. Connect with Lea Cloud LinkedIn

Today we are speaking with the insightful MaryAnne Gilmartin, who discusses her experience getting into the real estate business, incorporating sustainability, and embracing wellness as it relates to creating new developments. MaryAnne is the CEO of MAG Partners and in this episode we dive into her project at 281 West 28th Street in the Chelsea neighborhood of Manhattan. The neighborhood of West Chelsea has changed drastically over the years. An area with architecture as diverse as the community that lives there, MaryAnne’s development on West 28th Street encompasses the history and diversity of the Upper East Side. Residents can experience an abundance of outdoor space, beautifully detailed brick, light-filled corridors, and an outdoor courtyard that delicately separates the two towers. An increasing desire for biophilic space has led developers such as MaryAnne to incorporate health and wellness into building designs while also considering what it truly takes to build a place that one calls home. Tune in to today’s episode to learn more about how a focus on sustainability and sourcing can result in timeless buildings that are a win-win for developers and our world. About the Guest: Maryanne is the founder and CEO of MAG Partners, a real estate development company based in New York City. MAG Partners has one project under construction and was recently announced as the developer for another. She's also actively looking for deals within the metro area and beyond as well. Formerly, she was the board chair and the interim CEO of Mack-Cali Realty Corporation and the President and CEO of Forest City Ratner companies. She is one of the most well known and well respected professionals in the real estate business with 7 million square feet, 2000 housing units, and $4.5 billion of building value created under her leadership. Topics Covered: About Your Host Atif Qadir is the Founder of Commonplace, a company dedicated to tackling one of the biggest barriers to more inclusive, affordable, and sustainable development: improving access to capital. Commonplace helps impact-driven developers and capital providers with shared values discover and connect with each other. Connect with MaryAnne Gilmartin LinkedInLinkedInMAG Partners LP Follow Us: How Eight Developers & Designers Are Responding to the Housing CrisisAmerican Building websiteInstagramLinkedInMichael Graves

On today’s podcast, we sit down with Melissa Román Burch to learn more about her project with Lendlease Development, Claremont Hall. Located in the academic acropolis of New York City, Claremont Hall is a mixed-use building with modern neo-gothic architecture and sweeping views of the Hudson River. We also dive into some of Melissa’s other developments such as the Atlantic Yards (renamed Pacific Park) and 1 Java Street. Melissa believes that development is about people and to be innovative we have to get curious and question fundamental assumptions. We ask the question of how to expand in a dense urban environment such as New York City and touch on topics of housing access and supply. We also talk about the importance of strategic partnerships with development, equity, and construction firms, as well as technology firms that have a growing interest in housing issues. Lendlease Development partnered with Union Theological Seminary to begin its work on Claremont Hall in June of 2020, right in the early stages of the pandemic. In an attempt to creatively renew the aging infrastructure on the 100-year old campus, Union sought out a developer to help them tap into their New York City air rights. Tune in to today’s episode to learn more about unique New York City construction phenomenons and the community-centered partners who are bringing these projects to life. About the Guest: Melissa is a leading property executive and developer in New York with two decades of public company real estate experience. Over her career, she has initiated the entitlement and development of over 10 million square feet of commercial and residential mixed use projects. Those are often ones that are distinguished by urban placemaking, environmental leadership and innovative partnerships. Currently, she is the Chief Operating Officer for the NYC Economic Development Corporation and leads the Real Estate Transaction Services and Asset Management divisions. Topics Covered: About Your Host Atif Qadir is the Founder of Commonplace, a company dedicated to tackling one of the biggest barriers to more inclusive, affordable, and sustainable development: improving access to capital. Commonplace helps impact-driven developers and capital providers with shared values discover and connect with each other. Connect with Melissa Román Burch LinkedInLinkedInwebsite Follow Us: How Eight Developers & Designers Are Responding to the Housing CrisisAmerican Building websiteInstagram

Today I sit down with Camila Crazut, former architect and interior designer for Spivak Architects. Camila and I discuss her Central Park West project located in the Upper West Side of Manhattan, the benefits and challenges of projects in a cooperative structure, and the good & bad of client and designer relationships. Located in an upper class residential area, the Central Park West building is a pre-war, 11 storey building in a family-oriented neighborhood. Camila goes into detail about how the scope of the renovation is centered around its relation to Central Park and how they incorporate millwork throughout the design. This particular project is located inside of a cooperative structure, which brings its own challenges for architects and designers. Camila talks us through the challenges she faced when renovating in this space, as well as the benefits to working with family-owned vs. commercial residences. Lastly, Camila discusses how a budget affects the outcome of a project and the importance of designers and clients working together to form a relationship of trust and respect in order to accomplish the goals of each project. Tune in to this episode to learn more about cooperative structures and find out what qualities you should seek in your next designer. About the Guest: Camila Crazut is an architect and interior designer and the Director of Interior Design at Linear Scape, a New York City design firm. Previously, she was a Senior Interior Designer at Spivak Architects and an Interior Designer at McKinley Design and TPG Architecture. She is a graduate of the Pratt Institute and Universidad Central de Venezuela. Topics Covered: About Your Host Atif Qadir is the Founder of Commonplace, a company dedicated to tackling one of the biggest barriers to more inclusive, affordable, and sustainable development: improving access to capital. Commonplace helps impact-driven developers and capital providers with shared values discover and connect with each other. Connect with Camila Crazut LinkedInLinkedInSpivak Architects Follow Us: How Eight Developers & Designers Are Responding to the Housing CrisisAmerican Building websiteInstagramLinkedInMichael Graves

What does home mean to Americans today, particularly after a pandemic that transformed our society's relationship to the built environment? Over the past three years, we have had to redefine our homes, neighborhoods, towns and cities and restructure our lives as shared spaces became cut off. Now, broad-based issues such as social justice and diversity have come to the forefront of public interest with loud support, and sometimes louder opposition. Housing is where these topics all come together. Sit down with me, Atif Qadir, a licensed architect turned developer, city planning commissioner, and founder of Commonplace, as we dive into intriguing conversations with housing experts who are stewards of change. Sharing a fresh and unique perspective on the current state of the real estate market, we unpack the latest news and topics related to this evolving industry. About Your Host Atif Qadir is the Founder of Commonplace, a company dedicated to tackling one of the biggest barriers to more inclusive, affordable, and sustainable development: improving access to capital. Commonplace helps impact-driven developers and capital providers with shared values discover and connect with each other. Follow Us: How Eight Developers & Designers Are Responding to the Housing CrisisAmerican Building websiteInstagramLinkedInMichael GravesCommonplace.us

All good things either evolve or get left behind, that is why I have renamed REDIST to Commonplace. After speaking with over 250 real estate professionals, I found that developers working on affordable and workforce housing projects that support underserved communities often face the most difficulty in accessing funding. Operating at the intersection of brokerage, media and technology, Commonplace is a marketplace that connects real estate developers with capital to build more affordable, sustainable, accessible, and inclusive cities. In short, we’re bridging the gap between mission-driven developers and the money they need in order to make an impact. Join me on this episode as I explore the ethos and mission behind Commonplace and what you can expect from us going forward. About Your Host Atif Qadir is the Founder of Commonplace, a company dedicated to tackling one of the biggest barriers to more inclusive, affordable, and sustainable development: improving access to capital. Commonplace helps impact-driven developers and capital providers with shared values discover and connect with each other. Follow Us: How Eight Developers & Designers Are Responding to the Housing CrisisAmerican Building websiteInstagramLinkedInMichael GravesCommonplace.us

To kick off Season 3 of American Building, I sit down with Sean Pichon of PGN Architects and Omar Karim of Banneker Ventures. We explore the projects they are working on together in D.C., such as 2220 MLK Avenue, while also diving into topics such as the nationwide housing shortage and home ownership for Black Americans. Sean and Omar go in depth about their project in Historic Anacostia at 2220 MLK Avenue, an update to a local church which adds affordable housing to the neighborhood, and how they are approaching community pushback. We also break down how the residential asset class is defined, housing and lending programs, and how these projects impact communities. Turning to headline news, The New York Times recently released a statistic that only 5% of developers are not white males. This headline drives our conversation as Omar details how he sees this statistic play out, especially when interacting with lenders. Listen to this week's episode of American Building to hear more about DC residential projects, defining impact, and how institutions are distributing money for BIPOC developers. About Sean: Sean is a founding partner at PGN Architects, which was recently acquired by Michael Graves Architecture and Design. The firm's design work focuses on affordable and market rate residential projects and mixed use projects along with renovation and historic preservation. He is a board member at Eastern Market Main Street, an economic development focused nonprofit. He began his career at Skidmore Owings & Merrill and is a graduate of Howard University. About Omar: Omar Karim is the president of Banneker Ventures, a real estate development, construction and property management company. The firm focuses on residential and institutional projects. Omar is a lawyer who began his career at Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel and is a graduate of Howard University. Topics Covered: About Your Host Atif Qadir is the Founder of Commonplace, a company dedicated to tackling one of the biggest barriers to more inclusive, affordable, and sustainable development: improving access to capital. Commonplace helps impact-driven developers and capital providers with shared values discover and connect with each other. Connect with Sean Pichon LinkedInMichael Graves Architecture & DesignPGN Architects Connect with Omar Karim LinkedInLinkedInBanneker...

To round out season two, I’m pulling back the curtain and chatting with my producer about the behind-the-scenes of the show. Lauren Popish is the founder of The Wave Podcasting, an agency and recording studio based in Los Angeles that helps people tell their unique stories through podcasting by providing audio editing, educational resources, and a digital community. Lauren is a total pro when it comes to successfully launching and scaling a podcast, which is no easy feat into today’s market. We discuss what the top podcasts have in common, the importance of building a community around your show, and her advice for how to finally take the leap and follow through on that podcast idea that you’ve been thinking about. In the second half of the episode, we turn the tables and Lauren asks me some questions about where the idea for American Building came from, how my goals and priorities for the show have changed over time, and what I have planned for season three. I also share a little bit about my family history and the impact that my parents have had on my career and ability to take calculated risks. About the Guest: Lauren Popish is the founder of The Wave Podcasting, an agency and recording studio based in Los Angeles that helps people tell their unique stories through podcasting by providing audio editing, educational resources, and a digital community. Previously, she worked as a Product Manager at CBRE, Customer Success Manager at Floored, and a Design Strategist at Gensler. She graduated from Arizona State University. Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, or on your favorite podcast platform. Topics Covered: About Your Host: “Atif Qadir is the Founder & CEO of REDIST, a technology company making it easy for commercial real estate professionals to find and use the $100B of real estate incentives given out every year in the US.” Resources and Links: LinkedInWebsiteInstagramSeven Tips on How to Stand Out in Your Field

I’m joined by Ron Schinik, the CEO of New Blueprint Partners, a New York-based company focused on redeveloping manufacturing facilities into mixed-use assets. Ron has a solid foundation in auditing and grew into the role of CFO at three companies centered around operational efficiency. We discuss why he decided to take the leap from the corporate world to entrepreneurship, and how his background in finance complements his current role as CEO. We get into the details of the Vancouver Innovation Center in Washington State, which is what Ron calls the antithesis of the 1950s and 1960s suburbia movement. Previously owned by Hewlett-Packard, the 180-acre site features 700,000 square feet of ‘Frankensteined’ industrial and office space. Ron describes how the team is reimagining the property as a 20-minute neighborhood, which includes apartments, industrial and mixed-use buildings, retail space, and a downtown area. Ron lays out major milestones on the project and gives an overview of the ambitious timeline. He highlights the importance of getting buy-in from the local community by having open, transparent conversations with people on the ground level. Ron also shares what kind of opportunities and challenges industrial manufacturing might face in the near future. About the Guest: Ron Schinik is the CEO of New Blueprint Partners, a New York-based company focused on redeveloping manufacturing facilities into mixed-use assets. Previously he was the Chief Financial Officer at Reich Brothers, Crown Capital, and Quick International Courier. He began his career in audit at EisnerAmper. He is a Certified Public Accountant by training and a graduate of NYU Stern and Queens College. Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, or on your favorite podcast platform. Topics Covered: About Your Host “Atif Qadir is the Founder & CEO of REDIST, a technology company making it easy for commercial real estate professionals to find and use the $100B of real estate incentives given out every year in the US.” Resources and Links LinkedInThe Vancouver Innovation Center LinkedIn

I’m joined by Bo Sundius, the owner of Bunch Design. His latest project, the Stop Making Sense Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU), explores how you can make a small space feel big. ADUs are 1,200 square foot houses built on an existing single family home property. The space must include a kitchen, bathroom, and a bedroom. Bo highlights that this format allows for some income flexibility that can really help middle class dreams come true, provide a space to help care for aging parents, and respond to the housing crisis in California. Bo walks us through his firm’s typical design process and how they went about designing this specific project. His approach is to think outside of the box, literally and figuratively, and imagine the space from the inside out. Making an 800-to-1,200 square foot home feel expansive and airy isn’t necessarily about the construction, but rather cognition. His design includes vaulted ceilings, skylights, and minimal corners. Growing up in a home that was built on land and water, it’s no surprise that Bo rejects the idea of cookie cutter houses. We talk about trends of pre-design without prefabrication, his thoughts about the sustainability of venture capital-driven innovation in design and construction, and the reality of 3D printed homes. We also touch on the future of property development in light of historical and recent economic booms and busts. About the Guest: Bo Sundius is the owner of Bunch Design, the Los Angeles-based design firm he founded with his wife Hisako Ichiki. Bunch Design’s work crosses product, building and urban scales and has appeared in a wide range of publications, including the Los Angeles Times and Dwell Magazine. Previously, he worked at Jerde and at Roto Architects, both in Los Angeles. He is a graduate of Brown University and Sci-Arc. Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, or on your favorite podcast platform. Topics Covered: About Your Host “Atif Qadir is the Founder & CEO of REDIST, a technology company making it easy for commercial real estate professionals to find and use the $100B of real estate incentives given out every year in the US.” Resources and Links LinkedInWebsite

I’m joined by Mark Gardner, a Partner at Jaklitsch/Gardner and Professor at the Parsons School of Design. We discuss his work with the Inwood African Burial Ground & Lenape Ceremonial Site, also known as the Inwood Sacred Sites, and how colonization manifests itself in design and architecture across the US. When The Bowery Residents Committee learned the site it planned to purchase had a history as a burial ground for enslaved Africans and as a Lenape Ceremonial Site, their plans for building and operating a high-quality shelter for people experiencing homelessness quickly changed. In our conversation, Mark gives an overview of the geographical history of this site, which is situated as far north as you can go on the island of Manhattan. He highlights key designers and collaborators who are working to capture the culture and contemplative nature of the land. Mark and I also engage in a broader discussion about our experiences as minorities in the US. We talk about the racial bias in real estate and how he responds to people who deny the existence of institutionalized racism. Mark shares why he’s so drawn to projects like the Inwood Sacred Sites and how he manages to combine his passion for social justice with his architectural talents. About the Guest: Mark Gardner is a Partner at the New York City based design firm Jaklitsch/Gardner. Mark started his career in architecture at the firms Jeffrey McKean Architect, Murphy Burnham & Buttrick, and Stanley Love-Stanley. Besides his design work, he is a Professor at the Parsons School of Design and previously served as the Director of its Master of Architecture program. He has also been active in community initiatives with SUPERFRONT and the National Association of Minority Architects. Mark is a graduate of the architecture programs at the University of Pennsylvania and Georgia Tech. Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, or on your favorite podcast platform. Topics Covered: About Your Host “Atif Qadir is the Founder & CEO of REDIST, a technology company making it easy for commercial real estate professionals to find and use the $100B of real estate incentives given out every year in the US.” Resources and Links LinkedIn

Today, I’m joined by the Product Manager at REDIST, Devin McIntyre. Devin grew up in the suburbs of Detroit and has always been inspired by the city. We discuss how Detroit has transformed into a hub for creativity and technology in the past few years, and how the hustle culture of his hometown motivated him to pursue entrepreneurship from a young age. Before joining the REDIST team, Devin worked for a smaller DTC business, large corporations, and startups. When I asked him how he sees his career panning out, he said that he’s interested in early-stage companies and building brands from the ground up. He shares where he sees exciting opportunities within real estate these days and ways that technology can elevate the industry. Listen in to learn more about Devin and his unique perspective on the proptech space. About the Guest: Devin McIntyre is a Product Manager at REDIST, which is a technology company transforming how developers capitalize their deals, specifically through public incentives. Previously, he worked at CBRE and Coldwell Banker while a student. He graduated from the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business in 2020. While in high school in Michigan, he launched PWRDetroit. For his work, he was featured on MSNBC, Huff Post, among other news outlets. Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, or on your favorite podcast platform. Topics Covered: About Your Host “Atif Qadir is the Founder & CEO of REDIST, a technology company making it easy for commercial real estate professionals to find and use the $100B of real estate incentives given out every year in the US.” Resources and Links LinkedInLinkedInSeven Tips on How to Stand Out in Your FieldAmerican Building websiteInstagramLinkedIn

Today, I’m joined by Tommy Craig, Senior Managing Director at Hines, and Rick Cook, Founding Partner at COOKFOX. Tommy and Rick are both pioneers of the sustainable architecture movement and have joined forces for the 555 Greenwich and 345 Hudson Street project. As it stands, they’re two existing buildings that form an entire block in the Hudson Square neighborhood of Manhattan. The goal for 555 Greenwich was to stitch the two buildings together, complete 345 Hudson Street, and face west out towards the Hudson River. The combined buildings are 1.2 million square feet, and as you can imagine, designing that kind of space isn’t without its challenges. However, the team at COOKFOX has come up with a way to embrace those constraints and create a thermally active superstructure, the first of its kind in New York City. Rick describes the firm’s various efforts to make radical carbon changes and revamp this 100-year-old building to serve the community for the next 10+ decades. We also discuss the importance of mentorship, how their own mentors have impacted their career development, and what they hope to pass on to the next generation of young architects at their respective firms. We touch on the current trends that are making buildings better for the planet and its occupants, and how to balance the quality and speed of construction. Listen in to hear more of our conversation about sustainable and modern living spaces. About the Guests: Tommy Craig is Senior Managing Director and the Co-Head of the New York office of Hines, as well as Head of the Boston office. Hines is an international developer, investor and manager of real estate with nearly 5,000 employees worldwide. He is on the board of the Urban Design Forum, and the Phipps Houses, a non-profit affordable housing developer. Previously, he taught at Columbia Business School. Rick Cook is a Founding Partner at COOKFOX, the New York City based design firm he started in 2003 with Bob Fox. Their work focuses on office, residential, interiors and cultural projects and how the natural environment can intertwine with the built environment. Prior to COOKFOX, he founded and ran his own firm, Richard Cook & Associates for 14 years. Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, or on your favorite podcast platform. Topics Covered: About Your Host “Atif Qadir is the Founder & CEO of REDIST, a technology company making it easy for commercial real estate professionals to find and use the $100B of real estate incentives given...

Today, I’m joined by real estate executive Chok Lei to discuss his work with The Cedarview, a multiphase rental apartment development near the University of Connecticut. The 250-unit community is set upon a former nine-hole golf course, and will provide necessary housing for the students, faculty, and permanent residents of the college town. Chok describes how his team is providing a product that the town needs, but also is keeping in-line with the rural, natural character of Northeastern Connecticut. Chok shares how he was influenced to pursue a career in real estate development from a young age一the only issue is that he’s seeing the same homebuilding process his grandfather followed. We talk about trends in proptech, which is innovation and use of technology within the property sector, and more broadly, the real estate industry. To Chok, it’s more than a buzzword. Proptech is a movement bringing the real estate industry into where it needs to be today, and also where it needs to be going forward, in order to address housing issues that we're seeing across the country. I ask Chok about the exciting opportunities in the development space right now and what he keeps in mind when he’s investing in construction tech. He highlights startups in the proptech space that are making waves in the homebuilding space, and shares his predictions for the future of real estate development. About the Guest: Chok Lei is a real estate executive who has served in leadership roles for multiple investment firms, most recent of which is COO at Clear Mountain Capital, a New York City based company that develops real estate and invests in technology that will transform the industry. He is also a professor at Columbia’s Graduate School of Architecture, Preservation and Planning. He previously worked at Pretium Partners and began his career at JP Morgan. Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, or on your favorite podcast platform. Topics Covered: About Your Host “Atif Qadir is the Founder & CEO of REDIST, a technology company making it easy for commercial real estate professionals to find and use the $100B of real estate incentives given out every year in the US.” Resources and Links LinkedIn

Today, I’m joined by the Founding Principal at Creative Urban Alchemy, Ifeoma Ebo. Ifeoma is a Brooklyn native with a background in architecture, urban planning, real estate development, and environmental sustainability. In our conversation, we dive into the details of her latest project, The Perfect New York Street, which is a modern take on the streetscape of Third Avenue between 33rd and 34th Street. She walks us through what people might see, hear and feel when walking through this re-crafted space, and highlights the ripple effect it can have on the local economy and neighborhood safety. Ifeoma and I discuss the large-scale focus on equity and infrastructure in various global and domestic cities, with a particular focus on New York City. There's a movement towards how we're reconfiguring cities in the public realm to address damaging practices, such as redlining, in city development. Ifeoma has a unique perspective on the intertwined issues of sustainability, criminal justice reform, and housing affordability due to her upbringing between Brooklyn and her mother’s village in Nigeria, as well as her studies at Cornell University and MIT. We talk about the design challenges that cities across the population spectrum are facing to make streets efficient for vehicles, productive for businesses, and accessible for residents. I get Ifeoma’s take al fresco dining on city sidewalks and ideas for how that experience can be improved. We also touch on where funding is typically sourced from for urban transformations and the challenges with maintenance and operations in the public realm. About the Guest: Ifeoma Ebo is the Founding Principal at Creative Urban Alchemy, a NYC-based studio that specializes in strategies and frameworks for design, engagement and spatial planning in the areas of architecture, urban planning, real estate development and environmental sustainability. Ifeoma teaches at the graduate level at Columbia University and Syracuse University, and has taught at Cornell University and the University of Cape Town. She is also active with community initiatives, including with Architecture for Humanity and the BlackSpace Urbanist Collective. Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, or on your favorite podcast platform. Topics Covered: About Your Host “Atif Qadir is the Founder & CEO of

Today, I’m joined by senior architectural designer at Michael Graves Architecture & Design, Apoorva Rao. Apoorva shares what originally drew her to the field of architecture and how her passion for her family, Indian-American culture, theology, and philosophy ultimately inspired her thesis. She highlights the coaches and mentors who have helped shape her as a person and designer. She also touches on the role that Indian classical dance plays in her approach to architecture, and her dedication to always work from a place of boldness and courage. About the Guest: Apoorva Rao is a senior architectural designer at Michael Graves Architecture & Design, where she has worked for almost three years. She previously interned at Joshua Zinder Architecture + Design and Gluckman Tang Architects. She also did research at CEMEX, the Mexican construction materials manufacturer. She received her Bachelor of Architecture degree from Syracuse University. Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, or on your favorite podcast platform. Topics Covered: About Your Host Atif Qadir is the Founder & CEO of REDIST, a technology company making it easy for commercial real estate professionals to find and use the $100B of real estate incentives given out every year in the US. Resources and Links LinkedIn LinkedInSeven Tips on How to Stand Out in Your FieldAmerican Building websiteInstagramLinkedInMichael GravesREDIST

I’m joined by Ryan Graye, the founder and principal of Eremos, an acoustic design firm based in New York City and Miami. We get into how he got his start in this field, his design experience with major fitness facilities, and his current project with the NOBULL headquarters in Boston. Ryan shares what he learned during his time at Cerami & Associates and how he decided to leave the corporate world to start Eremos. Acoustic design is all about applying the science of sound and vibration to architecture. It’s something that a lot of people take for granted, but quickly realize how important it is when a space is poorly designed. One of the most challenging spaces to design and configure are gyms and fitness studios, but Ryan has found a particular niche in that area. NOBULL is a cross-training footwear, apparel, and accessories brand that is setting up shop in the former Boston Globe Headquarters. CrossFit is a major part of their brand identity, so Ryan is in charge of making sure that people can slam 300-pound tires on the ground without disturbing their co-workers in other parts of the building. There’s also a rock climbing wall, digital content creation spaces, and a track for walking meetings to consider. Though NOBULL is gearing up to get back into their brand new office, Ryan provides advice for how people can improve the sound of workspaces at home and simple recommendations for limiting noise distraction in small spaces. Listen in to hear more about Ryan’s unique perspective on design and learn how to optimize your own space. About the Guest: Ryan Graye is the founder and principal of Eremos, an acoustic design firm based in New York City and Miami. He previously worked at Cerami & Associates, the firm considered to be a pioneer in the field of acoustical design in the United States. He began his career at Lockheed Martin, where he worked as a mechanical engineer. He is a graduate of Vanderbilt and Penn State. Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, or on your favorite podcast platform. Topics Covered: About Your Host “Atif Qadir is the Founder & CEO of REDIST, a technology company making it easy for commercial real estate professionals to find and use the $100B of real estate incentives given out every year in the US.” Resources and Links LinkedIn